This book, a compilation of 33 articles covering many different aspects and applications of Clifford algebras, can be read profitably by anyone desiring an overview of their history, theory, and applications. I did not read every article, and space also prohibits such a comprehensive review, so I will comment only on the ones that I actually studied.

Chapter introduces Clifford algebras as an extension of the real numbers to include vectors and vector products. The familiar representation in Euclidean space is outlined, with emphasis on the exterior product of two vectors, which, the author points out, is associative (unlike the ordinary cross product). The connection with rotations, reflections, and volume elements is pointed out, and the complex numbers and the Pauli algebra are shown to be Clifford algebras.

A short history of Clifford algebras is given in chapter 2. The reader not familiar with Clifford algebras should have no trouble following the ensuing discussion where some elementary geometric constructions are given of the Clifford algebra on the Euclidean plane. In addition, the operator approach to Weyl, Majorana, and Dirac operators is given, illustrating in detail their connection to physics. Recognizing that the Fierz identities do not by themselves give the Weyl and Majorana spinors, the author introduces what he calls the boomerang method for their construction. The boomerang is essentially a linear combination of bilinear covariants for a spinor, and the author details the conditions under which the spinor can be reconstructed. Interestingly, and unknown to me at the time of reading this chapter, the author constructs a new class of spinors, the "flag-dipole" spinors, that are different from the Weyl, Majorana, and Dirac spinors.

The author of chapter 3 considers the construction of Clifford algebras from a more geometric viewpoint, calling them geometric algebras, which he motivates by the consideration of extending the reals by a unipotent ( a number not equal to +1 or -1 but whose square is 1). The resulting unipodal numbers are isomorphic to the diagonal 2 x 2 matrices. The extension of the unipodal numbers so as to make this isomorphism to the full 2 x 2 matrix algebra leads to Clifford algebras.

In Chapter 9, the spacetime algebra is brought in to study electron physics. The "space-time algebra" or STA is used to characterize the observables associated with Pauli and Dirac spinors. The material presented is standard in physics, wherein the Green's function (propagator) for the Dirac equation is given, along with scattering theory. The typical problem of scattering off a potential barrier of finite width is discussed, along with the Klein paradox.

The space-time algebra is also discussed in the context of the interpretation of quantum mechanics in Chapter 11. The authors really do not add anything new here (in terms of what one might consider "strange" behavior in quantum physics). They interpret Dirac currents as measurable quantities, avoiding seemingly any notion of wave packet collapse and difficulties with defining tunneling time(s), but not answering at all how to measure these currents. In addition, the Pauli principle is interepreted in the context of space-time algebra, without any quantum field theory. Howerver, it is not shown that such an approach satisfies cluster decomposition, casting suspicion on its utility.

In Chapters 21, 22, and 23 the author shows how spinors fit into the framework of the Lorentz group, their relationship to the Clifford algebra, and in general relativity. It is shown how the Dirac spinor can be defined in three different ways, namely as an element of the representation space of the Clifford algebra of spacetime, an element of the representation space of the fundamental representation of the Dirac spinor metric-preserving automorphism group of the Clifford algebra, and as an element of the representation space of the fundamental representation of the covering group of the conformal group.

The most interesting discussion in the book is chapter 28 on extending the Grassmann algebra. Dispensing with any scalar product on a vector space, the author shows how to obtain the relative magnitude between two vectors and this leads to the notion of a multivector. The duals to these are called outer forms, and are the familiar differential forms when depending on spatial position. Many helpful diagrams are used to illustrate the properties of multivectors and pseudomultivectors, the linear span of which is called the extended Grassmann algebra of multivectors. Adding a scalar product reduces the number of directed quantities to four, and electrodynamics can be formulated in a way that is independent of the scalar product.

An excellent account of the beginnings of Canadian security and intelligence activities, and the RCMP role in security and intelligence work. Easy read. Supported by many formerly official documents of the 1940s-1970s.

I would recommend this selection to any coin collector. A great price guide that covers all U.S. coins and even Canadian and all issues of U.S. Commemrative coins. I was pleased with the easy to read and easy to navigate price lists.

The king has no clothes on. Canada isn't so innocent of crimes and injustice.

Finally a statement that traces the roots of systemic racism in this country. From cross-burning, to acts of violence, to weilding the power of law, the courts and the legal system, White Canada oppressed minorities and created advantage while forcing others to try to survive on an unlevel playing field (while making sure minorities "feel Canadian" when it comes to paying taxes to the system).

We've inherited a legacy of limitation of access, to say the least. This history helps us challenge the assumption that how things are now is "normal."

Thanks, Ms. Backhouse, for challenging the White establishment to stand up and acknowledge this dark history of shame.

David Thompson was an explorer and cartographer of great magnitude. These personal journals document his explorations in the Canadian Rockies and northwestern U.S. from 1800-1811. His responsibilities were to discover and map new trade routes for the North West Company across the mountains and eventually to the Columbia River Basin. The journals depict the many hardships he and his men endured while on several exploratory trips: the impenetrable mountain snows; surviving severe winters of -30 F; the trials and tribulations of building trading posts, canoes, sleds; the demeanor of local Indian tribes; lack of food; etc. As Dr. Belyea says in her introduction, "David Thompson's Columbia journals require of the reader a perseverence that is well rewarded..the journals are dry and difficult..and the reader must work hard to create his or her own pattern of understanding". It is a worthy book from an exceptional man. The seven reproductions of maps by Arrowsmith, Thompson, etc. are quite poor in quality and I would therefore suggest an atlas for those unfamiliar with the geography of the area so as to follow his whereabouts.

This is a wonderful collection of poetry. Fragmentary, and highly charged, it is a fictional account of the last days of a Salmon Cannery along the Sheenan River in British Columbia. The narrative takes a number of forms; lists, declarattions, snippets of gossip; but slowly, in their own voices, the miriad characters of the "Company Town" step forward, and have their say. The writing is wry and razor-sharp. A wonderful book, a wonderful read, and a fantastic document of the working class experience -- Even if it is fictional!

For people who have loved reading Robertson Davies' books, this is an interesting and enlightening compendium of interviews with one of Canada's foremost men of letters. The reading itself is a little tedious at times (though Davies is always lively) and if you haven't read any of Davies' other books, don't start with this one.

I have read this book several times. The authors give a clear picture of the Corvette's history; as a class of warship,regarding its development and modification during the war. I heartily recommend the book for its historical perspective. Its store of photographs for the historian and especially for the modeller of that great little ship.

This book is a solid introduction to the work of David Cronenberg, which follows his career up until Naked Lunch.
For a much better analysis of his work, refer to "Cronenberg on Cronenberg" ed. Chris Rodley!

Mine warfare is a field not much written about in popular histories of naval conflict. There seems to be a kind of distaste for these sneaky, patient weapons that prevents gentlemen historians from tackling the subject. Fortunately, James T. Hewitt, a Canadian mine warfare expert is not a historian, but a Gulf War vet who mined (pardon the pun) his own diary for this book.
Hewitt was attached to American naval forces during the Gulf War in 1991. Although Canada had sent three warships to the Gulf, none were mine hunters, and Hewitt's expertise was needed elsewhere. He was aboard the USS Tarawa when it hit an Iraqi mine off the coast of Kuwait, and warned off other American ships that risked standing into danger by wandering into the same minefield. Shortly after Tarawa hit a mine, so did the powerful missile cruiser USS Princeton. Both ships survived, but the mines laid by the Iraqis did more damage to the Gulf allies navies than any other form of weaponry employed. Hewitt also mentions the Silkworm missile attack on venerable battleship USS Missouri (a near miss) and his own adventures ashore in Kuwait after the war ended.
Desert Sailor was a treat to read. It takes on a subject that is little discussed and treats it both with respect and some irreverence. Hewitt's style is breezy, humourous and self-deprecating and altogether enjoyable. My only complaint is that I wish it could have been longer, especially his rundown on the history of mine warfare, which is, nonetheless, well written and informative. For people wanting info on a little-known aspect of naval conflict and the Gulf War, this is a damned good start.